Claudia Pina, born August 12, 2001 in Montcada i Reixach, faced one of the most pivotal and challenging choices of her career before the summer. At twenty-one, she was in her second season firmly establishing herself with the first team and had become one of the squad’s key players until a injury in March. Jonathan Giráldez, and with her recovery complete, she now has the chance to compete in her first World Cup with the senior team.
Like many Barça teammates, she stepped back because of her values. She joins Map Leon and Patri Guijarro, alongside Lola Gallardo, Amaiur Sarriegi, Nerea Eizagirre, and Ainoa Moraza, in this personal commitment.
“This season feels calmer and more determined,” the Catalan footballer shared a few months later, after a volatile start marked by a players’ strike and disruptions in the FIFA calendar. From the Ibérica Press Group, she discusses the national team crisis, the World Cup, the fallout from the Rubiales case, and how her season at Barça is unfolding, a period that tested her resolve and strengthened her resolve to wear the shield on her chest.
How important are values and football?
Football can feel selfish, yet in this moment she chose to consider her own truth and how to confront the situation. Her values guided the decision, and she approaches it with remarkable calm.
Is making a decision like this harder when young?
Not necessarily harder, just different timeframes. For some, this could be a last World Cup; for others, like her, it may be the first. It was tough for everyone, and the hope remains that changes will lead to better paths for the national team.
How did you experience the summer and follow the World Cup?
The summer was not heavily followed in the early stages due to playoffs and ongoing discussions. Yet the team made history, and it is unfortunate that more attention was paid to the controversy than to the achievements, including becoming world champions.
“They made history and it’s a shame that this happened and they had to erase what they did because more was said about Rubiales than what they achieved.” Claudia Pina
Back in Barcelona, how did unity with teammates Mapi and Patri feel?
Unity was discussed, but each person made an individual decision. The trio agreed that changes were needed to return to the core purpose, and the path was not straightforward.
Who provided support during the summer?
The period was shared with friends and family, offering a different kind of summer. A club psychologist became a close confidant, helping navigate extraordinary circumstances—a support system she deeply values.
September arrived with Montse Tomé’s call for a list that included Mapi and Patri, and Laura del Río reached out from the U-23 squad.
There was surprise at the moment, as she felt overlooked, awaiting a decision from the Federation and the CSD. She stayed with the senior players’ discussions and waited for clarity.
Meetings in Oliva and in Portugal shaped the timing for her return?
The negotiations ran late, but in Portugal the schedule offered one fewer hour. She chose rest ahead of training the next day and absorbed the situation after dinner, having important conversations by phone to understand what lay ahead.
And ultimately, you decided to return to Barcelona.
Yes, because she fought hard to stay and did not want to miss a moment of the World Cup. The clash with her values and the events preceding them left her uncomfortable with what was happening, prompting the return to her club and the national team aspirations.
“I came back because I felt like I was struggling too much and missing out on something big like the World Cup to stay there. I didn’t feel comfortable with my values and with everything going on.” Claudia Pina
Has there been dialogue with Montse Tomé?
No direct conversation was reported at that time.
Will Claudia Pina rejoin the national team someday?
Ultimately, the yearning to wear the national jersey remains strong for any footballer, and that is no different here.
What role did captains Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes play during the conflict?
Their leadership was pivotal. They addressed the team in a public forum, clarified the situation, and stood up for the squad, underscoring the value of unity and fairness for all players.
Now, how is Barça faring as a team?
The team is in excellent form with a strong winning record, standing out as one of the league’s top performers this season.
You scored your first goal of the season. How does that feel personally?
The squad is more solid, and self-belief has grown. She knows she can contribute and make an impact, fueling the hope for a season that surpasses the remarkable one before it.
Versatility has been highlighted by coach Jonatan Giráldez. Has she grown into a more complete player after her loan?
Indeed, she embraces varied roles, believing that being able to operate in multiple positions benefits both her and the team. The aim remains continuous learning and improvement wherever she is deployed.
There is a greater sense of belonging in the squad. Confidence grows as she realizes she can be present, contribute, and matter.
“I feel much more solid in the team, I have more confidence because I know I can be there, I can play and I can be important.” Claudia Pina
Beyond position and role, what does she enjoy most on the field?
Being close to the goal area remains a favourite, but the camaraderie and connection with teammates are equally rewarding, and if a goal comes, even better.
During preseason and early home games, did the spotlight on her feel intense?
It felt heavy at times. Gratitude goes to the fans for unwavering support, shared with Patri and Mapi, as the team endured a challenging spell.
“It’s been a tough few months, I’m so grateful to the fans for being so supportive.” Claudia Pina
With Champions League knockout rounds approaching, does the growing competition raise the stakes?
Yes, the level in the league and Europe continues to rise. A tougher field makes the sport more competitive and fuels growth for everyone involved. Wolfsburg and Arsenal exited, underscoring the high bar in women’s football, where a two-legged tie can end a run at any moment.
What about the Klassiker on the horizon? The Estadi Olímpic atmosphere and the tension with Real Madrid?
The Klassiker is always a milestone, a defining match where league and pride collide. It remains one of the season’s most anticipated games, driven by a fierce historic rivalry and emotional stakes. She adds that beating Madrid is always a personal aim, and she plans to celebrate in a way that honors the shield and the club.
Any plans for celebrations after key goals against Madrid?
No special routine has been set, but the instinct to place a hand on the shield after scoring against Madrid is a signature gesture that embodies her connection to the club and its values.